![Parador de Jaen is one of more than 90 luxurious hotels in Spain. [Image credit - Daniel Villafruela/Wikimedia]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/4/6/660x290/b_502x220x82/parador-de-jaen-is-one-of-more-than-90-luxurious-hotels-in-spain-image-daniel-villafruelawikimedia_2243305.jpg "Parador de Jaen is one of more than 90 luxurious hotels in Spain. [Image credit - Daniel Villafruela/Wikimedia]")
The Paradores of Spain are unique and luxurious hotels, many of which are set in castles, palaces and monasteries. In this article, I am concentrating on five of the top castle hotels but a later article will feature some of the other recommended Paradores.
While some may be out of the reach of many due to tariffs, the hotel chain often has special offers and should you wish to stay in a castle for a night, this is definitely possible. Even one night will give you a sense of the history of the castle and the experience of a lifetime while sleeping in comfort and dining in style. You can also become an "Amigo" of the Paradores to achieve better rates and special offers.
Brief history of the Paradores of Spain
The idea of the Paradores came in 1910 when the Spanish government decided to create a unique hotel infrastructure. The first-born was the Parador de Gredos, up in the Gredos Mountains, offering beautiful views over the landscape and bringing tourism to the area. There are now more than 90 Paradores, located all over Spain to choose from, all rescued from ruin by the government and made to represent the historical and cultural heritage of the country. What’s more, besides the luxurious accommodations, the hotels offer restaurants serving the local gastronomy with a great selection of Spanish wines.
See some alternative views of the selected Paradores in the video included above.
Parador de Olite, Plaza Teobaldos, 2, Olite, Navarra, Spain
The Parador de Olite is set in a portion of the Palace and Castle of Olite, a national monument in Spain. The common areas and a number of guest rooms are located in the original building, where beautiful stained glass windows can be seen along with other medieval features. The surrounding narrow streets of Olite give a view on Roman walls and in August each year, a costumed Medieval Festival is held, taking the town back to the Middle Ages.
Parador de Jaén, Castillo de Santa Catalina, s/n, Jaén, Spain
The Parador de Jaén stands proud on the top of Santa Catalina Hill. The interior of the hotel has retained its monumental appearance, including a spectacular cross vault, 20 meters in height. The dining room and all guest rooms offer views over the city. The surrounding Barrio Antiguo (Old Quarter) is a fascinating visit with its Arab baths, the San Lorenzo Arch, the Cathedral and the Provincial Fine Arts Museum. Explore the surrounding Sierra de Cazorla Mountains and the Guadalquivir River.
Parador de Sigüenza, Plaza del Castillo, s/n, Sigüenza, Guadalajara, Spain
This medieval castle was originally an Arab fortress, built on top of an old Roman settlement. Within the thick stone walls, the furnishings are traditional Castilian with spacious and welcoming guest rooms, some of which have canopies to give the impression you are sleeping in a palace. Enjoy meals in the stately dining room before exploring the historic city of Sigüenza, with its cathedral and the fascinating baroque neighbourhood of San Roque.
Parador de Alcañiz, Castillo Calatravos, S/N, Alcañiz, Teruel, Spain
This castle and monastery dates back to the 12th-13th centuries. Part of the building was converted into an Aragonese palace, which has been conserved, along with the keep, sacristy and belfry. The hotel features Gothic wall paintings and a peaceful garden to relax in. The town itself has many fascinations, including the Fountain of 72 Spouts, medieval underground passageways and the Gothic Lonja market. There’s also the Motorland Aragon race track where the MotoGP Grand Prix of Aragon is held.
Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera, Avda. García Prieto, 1, Jarandilla de la Vera, Cáceres, Spain
This castle hotel is located in the fertile region of La Vera and close to the Tietar River. It is surrounded by natural pools, forests and river gorges and many historic monuments. The hotel offers a tranquil and comfortable stay and the restaurant serves the traditional “migas extremenas” (a fried breadcrumb dish) of the region, along with delights like suckling pig and braised kid goat. The town itself offers medieval bridges, historic churches and the San Francisco Monastery.
